Community
6 June, 2025
Brigade recognises service and dedication
THE Camperdown Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigade honoured the dedication and work of its volunteers at its annual awards presentation dinner last Friday.
The dinner held at the Camperdown Golf Club, saw members from the Camperdown brigade joined by the Camperdown State Emergency Service unit, the Cobden CFA brigade and friends and family of members.
A fundraising raffle was held on the night, with funds going towards new uniforms for the CFA basketball team the CFA Duncs.
Fireperson of the Year was awarded to Leigh Ball, who said he was “happily surprised” to be honoured.
“It’s an honour – there’s been many members of the brigade who have well and truly earned this, so it’s an honour to be part of it all and to be thought of in that way,” he said.
“I’d just like to thank the Camperdown brigade.
“Joining the CFA is a very well-worth exercise. It might seem daunting, but you certainly get a lot of opportunities, meet a lot of new people that you might not have met previously, and there’s a lot of experiences you’ll otherwise never get to experience.
“It’s definitely worth it. There’s plenty of training, so there’s no need to worry about any of that – it’s all set out for you, you just got to do it.”
Six service awards were presented on the night – Blake Wilkinson and Hannah Whytcross were presented with certificates honouring their five years with the CFA, Ben Blackley was recognised for his 10 years of membership, Jack McKenzie and Kane Veenstra were both honoured for 15 years of service, and Steven Russell was recognised for dedicating 40 years to the CFA.
Ms Whytcross said it was a “privilege and an honour” to be recognised for her dedication to the CFA.
“I don’t do CFA for the recognition – it’s just me doing my little bit for the community,” she said.
Mr McKenzie said he felt privileged to be recognised for his work through the CFA.
“It’s always a privilege to be recognised for contributing in any kind of matter in any kind of situation,” he said.
“It’s particularly special for the CFA – it’s such a rewarding experience.
“I’m so thrilled to be here for 15 years and hope to be here for many more years to come.”
Mr Russell shared the sentiment of his fellow members.
“I’m not in it for the awards, but it’s nice to get the recognition,” he said.
“It’s a great organisation to be part of. I’m glad I started when I did.”
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